New fee structure for rafting sites Upper Colorado River

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A new fee structure for floating the Upper Colorado River between Pumphouse and Dotsero will go into effect May 1.

The BLM is increasing the day-use fee to offset inflation and rising costs of maintenance and operations. This is the first fee increase since the fee program began at its Pumphouse and Radium sites in 1998. The fee changes also apply to the Eagle County Open Space access points at State Bridge, Two Bridges and Dotsero. All the day-use fees collected are used on-site for maintenance and improvements.

The day-use fee at these sites is increasing for private users from $3 to $5 per vehicle per day. One day pass is good for all five sites. The season pass, which also covers all five sites, will increase from $15 to $20. Fees for people using commercial outfitters are paid by the outfitters. People who have Access, Annual, Senior or Volunteer Interagency passes will not pay a day-use fee.

"All the fees collected in these areas stay here to provide services and improvements for the people using the area," said Susan Cassel, acting Kremmling Field Manager. "In addition to helping fund our seasonal rangers, we've also made significant improvements to the launch sites, campgrounds and other facilities."

An estimated 60,000 people float this stretch of river each year.

BLM river managers also want to make sure anyone planning to float the Upper Colorado River this year is aware they will want to bring a portable toilet system similar to what is required on many other popular floats. The BLM will no longer maintain the two obsolete outhouses between Pumphouse and Rancho del Rio that do not meet current standards for water quality.

Season passes are available during regular business hours by phone at (970) 724-3000 or at the BLM Kremmling Field Office, 2103 E. Park Ave. in Kremmling.